In the vast, treacherous world of Hollow Knight: Silksong, movement is key to survival. Among Hornet's most essential and game-changing abilities is the Clawline, an Ancestral Art that functions as a versatile grappling hook. This tool doesn't just open up new vertical exploration paths; it also completely transforms combat dynamics, allowing for fluid aggression and swift evasions.
Acquiring the Clawline is a critical milestone in any playthrough, but the path to obtaining it is fraught with danger. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you can add this powerful tool to your arsenal without getting lost in the depths of Pharloom.
Why the Clawline is a Must-Have Ability
Before we dive into the "how," it's important to understand the "why." The Clawline is more than just a mobility tool. In combat, aiming the Clawline at an enemy will see Hornet lunge toward them, dealing damage and closing the gap instantly. This is perfect for maintaining pressure on elusive foes or initiating a fight. For traversal, it allows you to swing across vast chasms, reach previously inaccessible ledges, and navigate the environment with unparalleled speed and style. It quickly becomes one of the most frequently used tools in your kit.
Step-by-Step: How to Get the Clawline Grappling Hook
The journey to find the Clawline will lead you deep into the Underworks, specifically to a area known as the Cauldron. It is highly recommended that you attempt this during Act II of your journey, once you have a solid grasp of Hornet's base movement and combat skills.
Crucial Preparation: The path to the Clawline is environmentally hazardous.
The Magma Bell is an essential tool for this expedition, as it will protect you from the scorching heat of the lava-filled platforms you must cross. Entering without it will be significantly more challenging.
Begin at the Bench: Your starting point is a Bench located within the Cauldron area of the Underworks. Rest here to save your progress. The upcoming path is perilous, and having a recent save point is invaluable.Descend into the Depths: From the Bench, head left and begin your descent down a long, vertical shaft. This passage is densely populated with both flying and grounded enemies. Use your Drifter's Cloak to dash through threats carefully. Take your time; reckless movement will likely lead to a quick defeat.Navigate the Lava Platforms: Once you reach the bottom of the shaft, your path leads to the right.You will encounter a series of platforms suspended over lava. Exerciseextreme caution here, as some platforms are unstable and will crumblebeneath your feet. Time your jumps carefully and use the Magma Bell'sprotection to mitigate any mistakes.The Ascent and The Lever: After crossing the lava field, your objective is to climb back up. This upward path also has its share of enemies—either defeat them or useyour agility to avoid them. Your goal is to find a large door with alever mechanism beside it. Interact with the lever to open the door andproceed.Claim Your Prize: Inside the new chamber, work your way across a series of platformsheading left. At the end of this path, you will find the prize you'vebeen seeking: the Clawline Ancestral Art. Interact with it to make thispowerful ability permanently yours.Mastering the Clawline in Combat and Traversal
Once acquired, you can test the Clawline in the safety of the chamber youfound it in. To use it, simply aim in the direction you want to traveland activate the skill. Hornet will throw her needle, which will latchonto any valid surface or enemy, pulling her swiftly toward it.
- For Exploration: Look for specific grapple points—often glowing hooks or certain typesof terrain—to swing across large gaps or scale massive walls with ease.It fundamentally changes how you map the world.
- For Combat: Use it as a gap-closer to engage enemies instantly. It's excellent forinterrupting enemy attacks, following up with a combo, or even making aquick escape by grappling to a distant wall mid-fight.
With the Clawline now in your possession, a new dimension of Hollow Knight:Silksong opens up. Embrace this new mobility, and use it to conquer thechallenges that lie deeper in the kingdom of Pharloom.
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4 PS4, PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer(s): Team Cherry
Publisher(s): Team Cherry
Release date: 4 September 2025
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